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8/11/08

SUMMER SMASH - The CAID - Thur/Sat Aug 21st,22nd,23rd

The Little Festival That Could

Creatively controversial cultural hub stays the course in Detroit with festival to benefit area bands and musicians

The art institute that Detroit police attempted to shut down just a few months ago remains open to serve the community, according to the nonprofit mission driven organization. What was reported as excessive force by witnesses at an early morning police raid with shot guns, commando uniforms, masks and language unbecoming of a peace officer, has not hindered the organizations commitment to the arts in Detroit.

The Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit (CAID) recently announced the return (after a one year hiatus) of Summer Smash – a popular local music festival that started in 1999. The three day event will take place at the CAID August 21st through 23rd and will feature some of the most talked about local music artists in the city including The Dead Bodies, Silverghost, The Four Hour Friends and The Friendly Foes among others.

“This is an important event with everyone volunteering their time and talents to the cause,” says CAID board member, Aaron Timlin. 100% of the festival profits will go directly to support creative programming at CAID. The all volunteer nonprofit expects the festival to go off without a hitch. “We have dotted our I’s and crossed all our T’s”, says festival director Laura Witkowski. “CAID has filed a petition with City Council. Professional security and legal support will be on hand during the festival to ensure our guests and members’ civil rights and personal dignity is not violated by anyone.”

Since its inception almost 10 years ago, Summer Smash has doubled as a benefit for a worthy cause, and this year's event continues that tradition in a unique way. "Instead of using this event as a way to raise funds for the general operating budget or someone’s salary, all the profits will go to a special grant fund for Detroit music and performance artists," says Timlin who volunteers for CAID, now serving on the board of directors. "The connection between CAID and the music scene in Detroit is strong, and we felt this was a great way to further build that connection."

The organization will invite musicians and performers to apply for grant funds that could cover costs for things such as touring, recording, equipment and anything else that may further their creative endeavors.

The mission of CAID is to foster and promote the essential link between contemporary arts and contemporary society through its exhibitions, performances, critical and public discourse and the funding of contemporary arts and art related activities. Formed on Valentine’s Day of 1979, CAID moved into the building formerly occupied by detroit contemporary in 2004, its first permanent home, which it purchased a year later. “I am really excited to see Summer Smash return to Rosa Parks Blvd where it has been held for most of its life,” says festival founder Stephen Cramer. “Laura, Aaron and, festival creative director who assembled the amazing line up, Alissa Lincoln, have all done a tremendous job to ensure Summer Smash 2008 be a must attend festival in Detroit.”